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the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Minister for Europe David Lidington has commented on Ukraine's parliamentary elections held on Sunday

Minister for Europe David Lidington said:

“Ukraine’s parliamentary elections were disappointing. Although voters were presented with a wide range of choices, International Election Observers found evidence that these choices were restricted through, for example, an unbalanced media environment, a lack of transparency in the way the final results were collated, and the absence of leading opposition candidates imprisoned as a result of unsoundly applied law. We regret that Ukraine wasted an opportunity to show firm and consistent commitment to democratic principles.

“The UK sees enormous potential in Ukraine as a European neighbour and partner. As a strong supporter of Ukraine’s European aspirations, we urge the new Ukrainian government, when it is formed, to address what needs to be done to bring new vigour to the process of building and sustaining healthy and robust democratic institutions.”